Why John Torode was on Celebrity MasterChef despite sacking | The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload ourSocial PartnerWe are 8 logo (opens in a new tab)AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleAdam WhiteTuesday 18 November 2025 12:32 GMTJohn Torode breaks silence on Gregg Wallace hours after BBC axes Masterchef Christmas specialViewers of Celebrity MasterChef expressed confusion over John Torode's appearance on the new series, which began last night, as they believed he had been sacked.The current edition of Celebrity MasterChef was filmed prior to the controversies this summer that led to both Torode and Gregg Wallace being dropped from the franchise.Torode's departure followed the BBC upholding a complaint that he used "an extremely offensive racist term" during production, though he denies recollection of it.Gregg Wallace had stepped away from the series months earlier after numerous complaints about his off-screen behaviour, including making sexual jokes and requesting phone numbers from female staff.This series marks Torode's final run as a MasterChef presenter, with Grace Dent and Anna Waugh set to host the regular MasterChef series next year.In fullCelebrity MasterChef viewers confused by sacked John Torode’s ‘return’ to showThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in